Your First Week in Germany — What to Do Immediately?

Days 1–2: Arrival and Orientation

Your first days in Germany can be overwhelming. Focus on the essentials:

• Buy a SIM-Karte — Prepaid cards are available at Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, or Lebara at any Supermarkt (from 5–10 €). You'll need your passport for activation (video-ident or in-store).
• Explore the Supermarkt — Aldi, Lidl (discount, cheap) or Rewe, Edeka (more selection). Opening hours: Mon–Sat approx. 7:00–22:00. Closed on Sundays!
• Get a public transport ticket — Buy a daily or weekly ticket. The Deutschlandticket (49 €/month) covers all local public transport nationwide.

Days 3–5: Registration and Banking

Register Your Residence (Anmeldung)

You must register at the Bürgeramt within 14 days. Required documents:

• Completed registration form
• Passport / ID card
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord
• Rental contract (copy)

Tip: In major cities, book an appointment online immediately — waiting times are often several weeks.

Open a Bankkonto

With your Meldebescheinigung from the Bürgeramt, you can open a Bankkonto:

• Branch banks: Sparkasse, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank
• Online banks: N26, ING, DKB — faster, often without Schufa check
• Required: Passport + Meldebescheinigung + Tax ID (arrives by mail)

Days 5–7: Setting Up Daily Life

• Household items — Drugstores (dm, Rossmann) for hygiene products; cheap household goods at Action or Tedi
• Meet your neighbors — Introduce yourself to your neighbors. This is customary in Germany and builds trust.
• Follow traffic rules — Don't block bicycle paths, wait at traffic lights (even as a pedestrian!), respect quiet hours (22:00–6:00)

Checklist for Your First Week

• ✅ Buy and activate SIM-Karte
• ✅ Find Supermarkt and drugstore
• ✅ Book appointment at Bürgeramt
• ✅ Register residence → get Meldebescheinigung
• ✅ Open Bankkonto
• ✅ Get public transport ticket
• ✅ Wait for tax ID (arrives by mail in 2–4 weeks)

As of: March 2026. All information without guarantee.